Wu Xinming (R), Party secretary of Nantong, meets with Harry Shum, chairman of HKUST's board of directors. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Wu Xinming, Party secretary of Nantong, Jiangsu province, and Zhang Tong, the city's mayor, recently met with delegations from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Southeast University (SEU), respectively.

After extending warm welcome to the delegations, Wu briefly introduced Nantong's economic and social development, saying that Nantong's integration with Shanghai and southern Jiangsu province has accelerated with the overall integration of the Yangtze River Delta.

He noted that the city is emphasizing technological innovation, talent cultivation and industrial upgrading and fostering new quality productive forces.

The cooperation between universities and the local government is an important way to gather high-end science and education resources and advance the integrated development of scientific innovation and industries, Wu explained.

He promised to improve the development environment to support cooperation with HKUST and SEU.

Harry Shum, chairman of HKUST's board of directors, said that the university will make full use of its advantages to deepen pragmatic cooperation with Nantong in marine scientific research, talent cultivation, and the practical application of research results.

Sun Litao, vice-president of SEU, noted that SEU will work to connect its research with local industry to boost Nantong's transformation into a main maritime city in China.